[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong] Apple’s entry-level iPhone 17e offers improved value compared with the previous model, but an assessment said the iPhone 17 could still be a more reasonable choice for most consumers.

On March 9 (local time), U.S. tech outlet The Verge reported in a review of the iPhone 17e that it is clearly better than its predecessor, but that it is better to pay $200 more and choose the iPhone 17.

The iPhone 17e replaces the existing iPhone 16e and includes several improvements, such as increasing the base storage to 256GB and adding MagSafe. The previous 16e was cited as having a major drawback because it lacked MagSafe despite its $600 price.

The iPhone 17e keeps the same $600 price as its predecessor while expanding the base storage to 256GB. It also adds MagSafe, enabling the use of wireless chargers and various accessories.

The display is also improved. The 17e applies a 120Hz ProMotion display and supports an always-on display (AOD) feature. This allows users to check the time, notifications and widgets even on the lock screen.

Battery performance is also described as stable. Based on actual use, about half the battery remains even after 3 to 4 hours of use, and it was assessed to provide stable connectivity while on the move or in tunnels by adopting Apple’s second-generation C1X wireless modem.

Still, camera performance is cited as a lingering weak point. The iPhone 17e has a 48-megapixel main camera and supports 2x optical zoom, but its sensor is relatively small, limiting low-light performance.

It also lacks an ultrawide lens and omits the upgraded selfie camera applied to the latest models. It does not support Apple’s interface feature, Dynamic Island, either. This has led to criticism that use of some features, such as Live Activities and StandBy mode, is also limited.

Overall, the iPhone 17e is assessed as a product that faithfully serves as a “minimum iPhone.” The analysis is that the ability to buy an iPhone 17 with more features for just $200 more affects the choice.

The iPhone 17 offers a more improved camera system and the latest features, and it is assessed as having sufficient performance and features even in the base model. The outlet said the iPhone 17e is clearly better than before, but that considering the $200 difference, the iPhone 17 could be a more reasonable choice for most users.